Connecting the dots: putting big data to work for health systems

Linking existing databases is seen as key to unlocking the potential of big data to revolutionise health care. Shared electronic health records and provider benchmarking can improve the quality of care, while linked databases are deemed enablers to support the transformation towards value-based health care. The wealth of collected data enables researchers to answer questions that are of high relevance for policy-makers, patients and providers. However, data privacy concerns pose a challenge to the integration of data sources. Effective use of big data to transform health care systems requires substantial commitment from all stakeholders and a strong governance framework.